Story Photos
 Yolanda Carrigg and her husband, Jeff Carrigg, had palms planted in the median outside their business in downtown Kalama, but city officials want them removed. Bill Wagner / The Daily News
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Business' palm trees cause a rift in Kalama
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:34 AM PDT
By Leila Summers
Printable version
E-mail this articleKALAMA — This town is named after a 19th-century Hawaiian native, but a touch of Hawaiian landscaping has a business owner and city officials at odds.
Jeff Carrigg, owner of the Columbia Inn Restaurant, planted seven palm trees two weeks ago in the city right of way to beautify what he considers the neglected north end of town.
“People joke about a North Kalama and a South Kalama, about things not getting done (up here),” Carrigg said this week.
Carrigg said he grew up on his father’s Oregon nursery and has always like palms. He planted them after regrading the parking median along North First Street outside his business. He’d been after the city for years to solve a flooding problem, and out of frustration undertook the work himself.
“It reflects on me as a business owner, a property owner,” he said of the standing water and “muddy mess” it creates. “I figured I might as well use (the trees) since there’s nothing there.”
He declined to say how much he spent on the trees, which are about five feet tall. They’re wind-resistant and can tolerate cold down to minus 20 degrees, Carrigg said.
“It’s a perfect world for them.”
Kalama Mayor Pete Poulsen personally likes the trees, too. But he says they don’t fit into the city’s new beautification project that is part of a $1 million revamp of the downtown area that’s started on the south end of downtown.
If Carrigg would have applied for a permit to plant the trees, he would have been told about the city’s plan, Poulsen said.
“And palm trees weren’t in it,” said Poulsen.
The plan calls for planting ornamental pear trees and Lacebark elm trees in the downtown area.
The city has given Carrigg until mid July to remove the palms. The city will remove them if he doesn’t comply, according to a letter to Carrigg from City Clerk Coni McMaster.
The idea of planting palms through downtown was raised during the downtown beautification planning process. The idea failed to gather much support, even though Kalama is named after John Kalama, a full-blooded Hawaiian who settled in the area in the 19th century.
Carrigg said many customers say they like the trees. Charma Pederson, a bartender at the Columbia Inn, said she’s heard quite a few compliments on the trees.
“Everybody who sees them, compliments him on it,” she said. “It’s nice to come into town and see something nice like that.”
Carrigg said he doesn’t want to get into a big fight with the city. He’ll remove the trees if he has to, but he says he’s not ready to give up just yet.
hawkster wrote on Jun 21, 2008 12:34 AM:
" donate them to the city of Longview. they would look good somewhere around here... but of course someone would complain about them here too. "
The Grateful Dad wrote on Jun 21, 2008 1:01 AM:
" OK, let's get this straight. The man planted trees on HIS OWN PROPERTY because the city has neglected the north end of town completely as far as beautification goes. Now the city is ordering him to remove the trees that have made that end of the city actually look appealing??!!??? COME ON, CITY OF KALAMA! GET YOUR PRIORITIES STRAIGHT! YOUR HERITAGE IS HAWAI'I AND THIS MAN IS HONORING THAT HERITAGE WITH THE PALM TREES HE PLANTED ON HIS OWN PROPERTY AND PAID FOR WITH HIS OWN MONEY! He saved your face and saved you some money, as well as made the north end of Kalama actually appealing to the eye. Get a grip, people, or step aside and let someone else run the city! "
Mr. Chinook wrote on Jun 21, 2008 1:45 AM:
" What a bunch of Killjoys! Leave the dang trees alone & go get a life! "
LVALUMNI wrote on Jun 21, 2008 7:31 AM:
" I live in rural Clark County and have noticed recently that a couple of our country nurseries out here have started selling the palm trees (or at least they are more noticeable then they were in the past, because I had never seen them before.) While they don't blend into the thick of the evergreens we have around here, I think they provide a beautiful contrast to our naturescape, and really make a place look bright and beautiful. I, too, say leave them in Kalama. "
skibowlruler wrote on Jun 21, 2008 7:42 AM:
" this from the brilliant leaders that cant even get the parking done right... have you drove the main drag in kalama lately.... joke... pull up those trees fer sure....all of em "
pangborn wrote on Jun 21, 2008 8:01 AM:
" Kalama government should find something else to do. I can't offer a suggestion as to what because it involves running and leaping and several words I can't use in the Daily Dilly Dally. "
2 cents wrote on Jun 21, 2008 8:23 AM:
" The Grateful Dad needs to get things straight (like he suggested.) The trees were planted on the CITY RIGHT OF WAY without permission. Carrigg didn't bother to check to see if this was permitted on the city right of way. Personally, I think palm trees would be a good idea for downtown Kalama. But one property owner can't decide to do his own thing when the rest of the downtown area is being redone in a different theme. Kind of defeats the idea of having a theme doesn't it? If Carrigg felt strongly about palm trees, why didn't he campaign for them when the downtown renovation was in the planning stages? As for the muddy mess in the area, his employees contributed to making the area a muddy mess by driving across that area to park behind the business. "
JJ wrote on Jun 21, 2008 8:27 AM:
" Leave the trees alone..here is another story of Government gone wild. "
concerned wrote on Jun 21, 2008 8:32 AM:
" to Grateful from what I understand he planted the trees in the median on the other side of the sidw walk from his business. I do agree with you that he should be able to keep the trees since he went to the trouble of trying to beautify his surrounding area. I would like to know why city of Kalama didnt let their residents and the businesses in the area know they were starting a revamp on first street so if people wanted to help they could. "
Classy 'Nook wrote on Jun 21, 2008 9:04 AM:
" Let's face it... the palm trees look rediculous! The day they were planted I knew complaints would be made. This is Washington, not Hawaii... and palm trees look out of place here. I'm glad the city stepped in to keep a uniform landscape look downtown. I know Mr Carrigg had great intentions, and cheers to him for trying to beautify the north end of town (which is completely left out of the beautification project), but I agree that landscaping should be uniform, palm trees just don't fit! "
buffalo bill wrote on Jun 21, 2008 9:07 AM:
" "planted 10 palm trees two weeks ago in the city right of way" That's not quite "HIS OWN PROPERTY" As the picture illustrates they are in the beds along the sidewalk. Personally, I like the trees.
On a side note, it's a shame that part of the beautification project is these round-outs at every intersection. Not only do they take up needed parking but they also cause a bottleneck at every intersection. If the driver of ahead of you is waiting to make a left-turn you can't get around them. "
On a side note, it's a shame that part of the beautification project is these round-outs at every intersection. Not only do they take up needed parking but they also cause a bottleneck at every intersection. If the driver of ahead of you is waiting to make a left-turn you can't get around them. "
crhick88 wrote on Jun 21, 2008 9:13 AM:
" Learn how to read the story guys. If you actually read the article it says that he planted them in the "city's right of way" "
rosy wrote on Jun 21, 2008 9:16 AM:
" Maybe Kalama should change THEIR plans to accommodate the palms. It's actually sort of symbolic since that's the end with the antique shops. You know, palms out? And why do ALL the trees have to be the same? It's a big world. Room for all types. "
scootergranny wrote on Jun 21, 2008 9:22 AM:
" The city fathers should stop micro- managing private property. "
missymae wrote on Jun 21, 2008 9:23 AM:
" why Is It everytime someone wants to Improve the looks of their business or home they have to have a darn permit I never knew you had to have a permit to plant a tree on your own property thats just absoloutley stupid leave the guy and his palm trees alone let him Improve his lanscaping the way he wants as long as It's not tacky or anything "
lucky1 wrote on Jun 21, 2008 9:32 AM:
" How dare you try to make the city look better. Everyone knows the look of Kalama is mudd. This is what they have been working on and now you ruined it all. Seriously does he have to mow that area? If he does then he should be able to decorate it how ever he feels fit. I havent seen them but I bet they look great. The city should thank him. "
CONCERENED wrote on Jun 21, 2008 10:09 AM:
" as a FORMER kalama-ite of 30 + yrs, im sure gald i moved out of that town!! politics politics politics!!!let the trees stay, something is better then nothing, and that town looked fine before the mayor and his co horts began Spending enormous money to help it turn into something its NOT!! SURE GLAD I LIVE IN KELSO NOW !!! "
feistyone wrote on Jun 21, 2008 10:11 AM:
" Oh for cryin out loud. Who cares if there are palm trees in the city. Any improvements to the town should be appreciated. There always hs to be someone working for the city, county, state, or government to screw things up for people. So plant the trees you want and leave the palm trees alone. Variety is the spice of life ya know "
nickandholly wrote on Jun 21, 2008 10:27 AM:
" I say leave the palm trees and plant more in Washington. They are beautiful trees. I just got back from California and I have never seen such beautiful landscaping with trees. They have palm trees everywhere and they are so beautiful. I agree with rosy this a big world and room for all types. We don't kick people out just because they don't match our themes or our cultures do we. No cause if we did it would be pretty boring around here don't ya think. MIX AND MATCH PEOPLE!!! "
classic_mustang_chick wrote on Jun 21, 2008 10:47 AM:
" Worst case senario...dig up the trees put them in big pots on your property and then let the city fill in their themed right away...they never said you couldn't have palms around your business... "
MrsW wrote on Jun 21, 2008 10:56 AM:
" I direct this to Classy 'Nook - part of your comment is absolutely absurd. I agree he should have gotten permission to plant such trees, but would you still have complained about their appearance if they were potted and merely sitting in front of his establishment? Palm trees are just as 'ridiculous' as bonzais, topiaries and other such non native greens! If we all followed your line of thinking there would be no Japense Gardens or other such areas locally. Branch out a bit would ya? "
Billy Hill wrote on Jun 21, 2008 11:02 AM:
" Palm tree bias? I suggest a Seattle firm should be hired to do a study to find out what the other trees in the area think of the Palms, after all they are pretty much stuck looking at them all of the time. It not like they can move or something! (This response inspired by the song "Trees" by Rush) lyrics here http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/rush/thetrees.html "
concerned citizen wrote on Jun 21, 2008 11:28 AM:
" sheesh....leave the trees there for pity sake! What is up Kalama's..um...like i said, leave them there, and get off your high horse Kalama city officials. I think you simply got outsmarted by a citizen and you don't like being upstaged! "
problemsolver wrote on Jun 21, 2008 11:50 AM:
" Good grief Kalama, at least let him leave them there until you're willing to do something different. Way to shoot a man down for trying to do something nice. "
Nunesy wrote on Jun 21, 2008 12:17 PM:
" They are called Washingtonian Palms. How appropiate. I thought we fought WWII to do away with Gestapho Storm Trooper tactics. This is a free country. "
Mr.Grim wrote on Jun 21, 2008 1:04 PM:
" You don't work in city or county rights of way without getting the correct permits - everyone knows that. Unfortunately there are those few who love to buck the system. The palm trees need to come out, not only because they were planted illegally, but also because they are a non-native species. But, in the same vein, the city is wrong for planning to plant non-native species. Seems to me they need to go back to the drawing board. "
El Gabilon wrote on Jun 21, 2008 1:11 PM:
" Kalama is depressing! Downtown, located right next to I-5,(a constant hum can be heard as vehicles whize by) railroad tracks,(trains cause the downtown area to shake and rumble) and the Columbia River,(ready to overflow) the air is so polluted some people need gas masks to survive. Buildings are so old the termites refuse to live there, and many leak. You don't have to dig down very far to strike water. If a flood ever does happen (highly probable) the city will be declaring it a "disaster" area in order to cash in on the taxpayers generosity. Heavy rains in the area would cause many of the homes on the hills to slide down. We recommend that downtown have row boats available for consumers that might stop there. As a taxpayer we resent the fact that the US Post Office was not built on steel stilts. Instead of ten palm trees, 1000 should have been planted to suck up the pollution. One thing good about it however is that citizens who walk get plenty of exercise going up and down the hills. People with heart conditions should be leary of climbing. We recommend it as a good place to purchase antiques, but caution that consumers should keep a tight grip on their wallets, carry life jackets in their vehicles and remember that the antiques are imported...many from Asia. According to those who live there its a great place to live. To each his own! "
Louie wrote on Jun 21, 2008 1:18 PM:
" When I first read of Palms being planted in Kalama I thought 'great idea' since I knew of the Hawaiian connection. What is it with the city governments trying to beautify a town in what "THEY" consider appropriate. I think the Palms are a super idea and suggest the cities of Kalama, Longview and Kelso quit shoving their ideas of beautification down every one's throats. Longview planted all those HUGE Hornbeams and a few years later had to take many of them out as they were obscuring the visibility of the businesses they were planted in front of. Do the city governments ever get it right?...that is without hiring some consultant to tell them what the rest of us already know. "
bmoc wrote on Jun 21, 2008 1:36 PM:
" No wonder the media doesn't pay attention to real news. Look at what a response this stupid article got. Most comments for the day. Boy are we all an intelligent bunch of Americans! "
bmoc wrote on Jun 21, 2008 1:37 PM:
" Oh yeah, congratulations. You have been successfully distracted from the utter chaos that is the world around you. "
Louie wrote on Jun 21, 2008 2:11 PM:
" First post must have been rejected so here goes try #2...Kalama, having been named for a Hawaiian man, seems the perfect place for a decorative planting of palm trees. They stay relatively small in our climate so they don't block the visibility of the business, unlike the Hornbeam for instance, plus they are evergreen. We all like a little tropical look in the winter months when our deciduous trees are bare of greenery.
The powers that be in the city have taken it upon themselves to determine what and what should not be planted for beautification? What makes them the experts? I thing the palm tree planting is a great idea...especially since that end of town seems neglected. They should draw attention to their business and, after all, isn't that what the city of Kalama wants? "
The powers that be in the city have taken it upon themselves to determine what and what should not be planted for beautification? What makes them the experts? I thing the palm tree planting is a great idea...especially since that end of town seems neglected. They should draw attention to their business and, after all, isn't that what the city of Kalama wants? "
shadoweve wrote on Jun 21, 2008 7:02 PM:
" After reading about the Palm Trees in Kalama I feel the need to make a bit of history known to the general public, and the owners of the Columbia Inn Restaurant.
John Kalama came to Washington State as a 16 year old boy. He camped in the area north of where our town is today, by the river. Like most ego driven kids, he named the river after himself. And in less than a year he decided he did not want to be tied down here, so he took his wife and he moved out of the area never to return.
When settlers began to move here they named the town after the river. Hardly a monumental occasion.
This is not a Hawaiian town. We might have maybe half a dozen native Hawaiians in our population. There are many more ethnic groups that deserve recognition.
This business of Kalama being all about Hawaiian heritage is a big stretch of the imagination.
In addition, the City of Kalama held numerous meetings where the townspeople were invited to participate in the selection of trees to be planted. I don't recall seeing anybody from the Carrigg family in attendance.
Shanara Schmidt "
John Kalama came to Washington State as a 16 year old boy. He camped in the area north of where our town is today, by the river. Like most ego driven kids, he named the river after himself. And in less than a year he decided he did not want to be tied down here, so he took his wife and he moved out of the area never to return.
When settlers began to move here they named the town after the river. Hardly a monumental occasion.
This is not a Hawaiian town. We might have maybe half a dozen native Hawaiians in our population. There are many more ethnic groups that deserve recognition.
This business of Kalama being all about Hawaiian heritage is a big stretch of the imagination.
In addition, the City of Kalama held numerous meetings where the townspeople were invited to participate in the selection of trees to be planted. I don't recall seeing anybody from the Carrigg family in attendance.
Shanara Schmidt "
shadoweve wrote on Jun 21, 2008 7:06 PM:
" The Palm trees have been planted on Kalama City property. I don't know why anybody would think they have a right to plant on city property without city permission. Especially when the city already has plans for that area. (if you came to the city meetings you would all know this)
Mr and Mrs Carrigg can certainly plant their trees on their own property where the City of Kalama has no interest.
Shanara Schmidt "
Mr and Mrs Carrigg can certainly plant their trees on their own property where the City of Kalama has no interest.
Shanara Schmidt "
1980mustang wrote on Jun 21, 2008 7:43 PM:
" I must say if you look at the picture of the trees planted on the city right a way, look just pass it and see the great landscaping job being done on the grass there. The end of town where the Columbia Inn sits has always been left out. "
kalamagrad wrote on Jun 21, 2008 8:04 PM:
" El Gabilon:
I hope you are not a resident of Kalama; I grew up there and it is a wonderful place to live; my paents hav lived there for over 50 years. Take your idiotic attitude and stay away from Kalama-it is a nice town full of great people. Don't make absurd comments about things you have no clue about! "
I hope you are not a resident of Kalama; I grew up there and it is a wonderful place to live; my paents hav lived there for over 50 years. Take your idiotic attitude and stay away from Kalama-it is a nice town full of great people. Don't make absurd comments about things you have no clue about! "
shadoweve wrote on Jun 21, 2008 8:20 PM:
" To 1980mustang.....
The City has not always had the funds to improve the streets throughout the entire city. They are working on that now. But you always have to start somewhere and they start in the most congested part of town where the majority of the businesses are located. They have every intention of continuing improvements throughout the northern part of the city.
For those of you who want to do more than just complain and truly are interested in what is going on in Kalama, and what the City has planned for the downtown core, you are always invited to attend the City Council meetings. That's where I learn what is going on; why, when and how. "
The City has not always had the funds to improve the streets throughout the entire city. They are working on that now. But you always have to start somewhere and they start in the most congested part of town where the majority of the businesses are located. They have every intention of continuing improvements throughout the northern part of the city.
For those of you who want to do more than just complain and truly are interested in what is going on in Kalama, and what the City has planned for the downtown core, you are always invited to attend the City Council meetings. That's where I learn what is going on; why, when and how. "
1980mustang wrote on Jun 22, 2008 7:24 AM:
" Shadoweve, its not that Kalama hasn't had the money to fix up down town its always been poorly handled, lived in Kalama for years and saw first hand how things are handled, If your a good oh boy you can work the system, take a look at Meeker Drive ever wonder way the road makes a bend before the corner?
You know where? Before the cross walk. Ask that home owner if the wall is on the city right of way! Thats how the city of Kalama works. "
You know where? Before the cross walk. Ask that home owner if the wall is on the city right of way! Thats how the city of Kalama works. "
Rosey Glasses wrote on Jun 22, 2008 10:13 AM:
" Granted he should not have planted them on the city's right of way (it is shame they get that), however I love palm trees and think they look good. So, I think I will take out some of them aweful italian plum trees that are in my yard from the previous owner (already took out two... still have about half a dozen) and plant some of these palm trees. At least where I live, no one can tell me what to and not to plant. :) "
chinook66 wrote on Jun 22, 2008 11:34 AM:
" If everyone is so worried about the north end of Kalama's BEAUTY what about the UGLY deck out back of Mr. Carrigs restaurant, I can't believe the city would pass the final inspection....or was their even a permit pulled????? As for the palms Mr. C needs to plant them in pots at his entrance or the back door, maybe it would block the smokers or the UGLY deck. Jeff, you are at it once again, let's irratate the city this week!
Kalama is looking much better! I just wonder about the big SUV's turning onto main street after the BULBs are completed. Has long as I can remember Kalama has always been in a turmoil, what does the citizens expect from Mayor and council when they are all volenteer.???? A few have knowledge and MOST don't. "
Kalama is looking much better! I just wonder about the big SUV's turning onto main street after the BULBs are completed. Has long as I can remember Kalama has always been in a turmoil, what does the citizens expect from Mayor and council when they are all volenteer.???? A few have knowledge and MOST don't. "
My Kids' Mom wrote on Jun 22, 2008 2:33 PM:
" Kalama: It's trees, it's not like he put up hot pink naked statue of Greek god. I say look at a person's intentions and look at the consequenses. His intentions were good (beautify an area), the consequenses were good (beatufied and area). Get over it Kalama, don't you have more important issues to solve? Oh, and one more thing on a different note: regarding the Montgomery's Bed and Breakfast, I think it is a win-win for them to be able to hold special events at their new B&B. It allows them their livelyhood. It allows the city more B&O revenue and commerce. As far as the neighbors, you live in town there is traffic in town. How bad is it to see people dressed up and having fun? I think it's reasonable to allow a limit on number of guests and regulate parking accomodations etc. I wish the Montgomery's well, their hearts are in the right place and they are good people. "
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